Skip to main content

School's Out, Screens Down: 10 Ways to Unplug as a Family This Summer

Can you believe it's that time of year again? As the school year slowly winds down and summer vacation inches closer, that means more time at home with the kiddos and opportunities for quality family time. But with the lure of screens and devices always present, how do we make the most out of our time together? I've got some tips to help you embrace screen-free family fun as we head into summer. Remember, balance is key!


1. Plan Outdoor Adventures: With warmer weather on the horizon, there's no better time to explore the great outdoors as a family. Plan hiking trips, beach day, bike rides, or picnics in the park and unplug and tune in to nature and the outdoors.

2. Get Creative: Tap into your inner artist and get crafty with the kids. Set up a DIY crafting station at home and spend an afternoon creating masterpieces together. From painting and drawing to DIY projects that need to be tackled around the home, the possibilities are endless!

3. Cook Up Some Fun: Get the whole family in the kitchen and whip up some delicious meals together. From baking cookies to experimenting with new recipes, cooking together is not only fun but also a valuable life skill.


4. Host Family Game Nights: Dust off those board games and host regular family game nights at home. Whether you're into classic board games, card games, or puzzles, game nights are a great way to bond and have fun together.

5. Family Plays: Encourage a love of reading by starting a family book club. Choose a book or play to read or act out together. 

6. Create a Family Bucket List: Sit down as a family and brainstorm a bucket list of activities you'd like to do together this summer. Whether it's visiting a new place, trying a new hobby, or learning a new skill, having a bucket list adds excitement and anticipation to your summer plans.

7. Unplug for Family Movie Nights: While we're all about screen-free time, there's nothing wrong with the occasional family movie night. Just make sure to keep it balanced and enjoy the experience together without distractions.

8. Explore Your Community: Take advantage of the warmer weather and explore your local community as a family. Whether it's visiting a museum, attending a community event, or exploring a nearby park, there's so much to discover close to home.

9. Plant a Family Garden: Get your hands dirty and start a family garden together. Not only is it a fun and educational activity, but it also teaches kids about responsibility and the importance of caring for the environment.


10. Keep it Flexible and Fun: Remember, the key to successful screen-free family time is to keep it flexible and fun. Don't stress about sticking to a rigid schedule or plan—just go with the flow and enjoy the time you have together.

Whether you're exploring the outdoors, getting creative with crafts, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, there are endless opportunities for quality time together. Let's make this summer one to remember and drop in the comments ways you and yours will try to unplug.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Life Happens - Back to School Season - Screen Time Reset and Almost 40?

Hey friends! It's been a minute since I've had the chance to sit down and blog. Why? Because LIFE this summer has been a whirlwind. Camps, parties, work trips and trying to keep up a social life of my own...it was a lot. And let's be honest, there's still so much I didn't get around to. To top it off, my best friend is getting married in Cartagena, Colombia, and mentally, I'm already there!!! Trying to balance travel plans, family activities, and work...whew! And then came August—what August? I blinked, and we were already back to school. On the bright side, both of my kids are at the same school this year! Kristopher started kindergarten, and Khloe is in 5th grade. New school year, new level of parenting unlocked! With back to school comes a tech reset in the Bagley household. Let me be honest: our summer was all about flex time when it came to screen time. During the day, the kids are mostly offline, working on review activities or playing indoors or outside. ...

Let’s Get Serious: Just Jokes or Inappropriate? The Challenge of Raising Kids in a Viral Era - Hot Topics & TikTok Dances

Lately, I’ve been floored by how desensitized we’ve become to things that used to shock us. Serious topics get treated like punchlines, and instead of focusing on the real issues—like the fact that we have an election coming up in less than 45 days!!! News outlets are busy discussing "freak-offs" like it’s normal conversation. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Where did the professionalism go? As someone who used to work in news, it’s wild to see how much things have changed. TV and social media feel like one big reality show now, and throw AI into the mix, and its hard to tell what’s real anymore. What really gets me is seeing parents and adults on the TikTok dancing alongside their young kids to songs full of cuss words and suggestive lyrics for likes, especially that Bossman DLow one..."SMH!" Or, watching skits and shows that used to be for "adults only" now being reproduced for content and likes by kids.  But then, we turn around and act surprised when these...

Smart Solutions or Cellphone Bans For Schools - Can We Find a Balance?

The recent news on a possible ban on cellphones in New York City public schools has sparked quite the debate among school leaders, parents, and students. As an advocate for internet wellness, I believe it's essential to find a balance that embraces technology's potential while addressing concerns. Instead of imposing a blanket ban, why not explore ways to integrate smartphones and tablets constructively and safely into the classroom environment? These devices, when used appropriately, can be powerful educational tools, enhancing learning experiences and preparing students for a tech-driven world.  As a former teacher, I do believe that cellphones in schools should be reserved for middle-school aged students and up. I feel at this age students may start having more independence and smart devices can keep them safe and the lines of communication open.  But, within schools, I believe we are not utilizing smartphones and devices enough in the classroom or in the right ways. With p...